In advance of Denver’s new ban on unauthorized overnight camping, which took effect Tuesday, city officials reached out to the homeless and others to direct them to shelters and other service providers.

The effort seems to have worked.

Denver Human Services spokeswoman Revekka Balancier said Wednesday that shelters in the city were at or slightly above capacity, which “is not normal for this time of year.”

She attributed the increases to the camping ban and outreach efforts in advance of its implementation.

A look at Denver shelters’ occupancy/capacity Tuesday, according to Denver Human Services:

• Denver Rescue Mission: 309/300

• Crossroads: 192/200

• Samaritan House: 93/93 overflow beds and 190/196 program beds

• Delores Project: 50/50

• Capitol Hill United Ministries: 20/20

Balancier said there is additional capacity with partner churches and that vouchers are available for the Volunteers of America Family Motel.

While state education officials are sharing their proposals aimed at ending the teacher shortage in Colorado, the state’s largest teacher association says the overall plan lacks specifics and shortchanges traditional preparation programs.